Abstract: Dao, Chinese for knife, sword, or sabre, is used so widely in the production and life of the ethnic minorities in southwest China that a colorful dao culture has developed, especially with the Jingpo whose dao culture has rich connotations and special features. As a symbol of masculinity, wizardry and vitality, Jingpo dao has the functions of protecting babies, maintaining marriages and escorting the deceased in life rituals such as birth, weddings and funerals. It also functions to expel evil spirits, protect the village and build a sacred space in mass sacrificial ceremonies such as exorcism ceremonies, ancestor-worshiping celebrations and a local traditional ceremony called munao zongge. Analyzing the dao culture of the ethnic minorities in southwest China from the perspective of ceremonial symbol is instructive to understand their production activities, national customs, beliefs, ideology and national spirit.

Key words: Jingpo dao, life ritual, sacrificial ceremony, dao culture